Is Minster, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
45.2/100
waterverge.com Minster, OH — Water Quality Report
Minster's drinking water received a grade of D (45.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,829 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 205 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 43 remain unresolved.
What to know about Minster's water
Minster ranks #492 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Minster relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
The system has seen 24 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Minster, OH water safe to drink?
Minster's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,829 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Minster
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Minster's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Minster's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Minster's water system has 205 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 43 remain unresolved. 24 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Auglaize County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Lake Loramie Near Fort Loramie, Loramie Creek Near Newport, Miami And Erie Canal At Minster, Chickasaw Creek At St. Marys.
Where does Minster's water come from?
Minster's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 3,829 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lake Loramie Near Fort Loramie (lake), Loramie Creek Near Newport (river), Miami And Erie Canal At Minster (stream), Chickasaw Creek At St. Marys (river).
What Minster residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Minster's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Minster
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Minster, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 9 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AMERICAN RHEINMETALL SAINT MARYS, OH45885 | Zinc compounds | 9 | 9.4 mi |
TOOLING TECHNOLOGY GROUP FORT LORAMIE, OH45845 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
DANONE US LLC MINSTER, OH45865 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
NIDEC MINSTER CORP MINSTER, OH45865 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
CROWN EQUIPMENT CORP NEW BREMEN, OH45869 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Auglaize County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Minster's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.72 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Minster compares by contaminant
Explore where Minster ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Minster's water comes from
Minster's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,829 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Minster
Minster is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Minster
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MINSTER VILLAGE | OH0600412 | 3,025 | GW |
| SHELBY COUNTY WATER AND SEWER PWS | OH7500112 | 375 | GW |
| FAIR HAVEN SHELBY COUNTY HOME | OH7501112 | 290 | GW |
| WEST LAKE VILLAGE MHP PWS | OH7501512 | 83 | GW |
| LAKE VIEW VILLAGE MHP | OH7501312 | 56 | GW |
How Minster compares
Full Ohio rankings →Minster's score of 45.2/100 is below the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Minster, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Minster's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Auglaize
Frequently asked questions
Is Minster, OH tap water safe to drink?
Minster's water quality earned a grade of D (45.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #492 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Minster's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 205 violations are on record.
How is Minster's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Minster?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Minster's water come from?
Minster's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 3,829 residents.
What health violations has Minster's water system had?
Minster has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 43 violations remain unresolved.
Is Minster's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Minster uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 205 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Minster's water compare to other cities?
Minster ranks #492 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 4% of state cities) and #14195 out of 15744 cities nationally (10th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.